Skip to content
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Happy News

Maryland Marks Medical First with Innovative Heart Valve Procedure

Maryland has reached a medical milestone with its first artificial heart valve replacement performed without open-heart surgery. Joan Mertz, 83, became the first patient in the state to undergo this minimally invasive procedure at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital.

For years, Mertz struggled with shortness of breath caused by tricuspid valve regurgitation, making even simple tasks exhausting. Instead of requiring open-heart surgery, doctors implanted a self-expanding artificial valve using a catheter, significantly reducing recovery time.

Led by Dr. John Wang and Dr. Brian Bethea, the procedure lasted under an hour and required no incisions, offering patients a safer and quicker alternative. Mertz, initially nervous, was amazed by her swift recovery, calling the outcome her “miracle.”

This breakthrough provides new hope for those suffering from valve conditions, demonstrating the power of innovation in modern heart care.

PrevPreviousGrandparents Move 300 Miles to Be Closer to Family
Next72-Year-Old Sets Marathon World Record on CrutchesNext

Recent Articles

Happy News

The Positive Benefits of This Diet Will Shock You

January 24, 2026

A groundbreaking new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition has revealed that switching from a Mediterranean omnivorous diet to a vegan diet can reduce carbon emissions by an astonishing 46 percent and decrease land use by 33 percent, all while still providing almost every essential nutrient the human body needs.

Read More
Happy News

California Just Changed Every Tortilla In The State

January 24, 2026

California just became the first state in America to require folic acid fortification in corn masa products including tortillas, marking a groundbreaking public health victory that could prevent devastating birth defects in thousands of babies born to Latina mothers across the state. Assembly Bill 1830 took effect on January 1

Read More
Happy News

Muhammad Ali’s Wish Comes True 10 Years After His Death

January 24, 2026

Muhammad Ali once joked that he should be turned into a postage stamp because that’s the only way he would ever get licked, and now almost 10 years after his death, the legendary boxer’s humorous prediction is finally becoming reality on what would have been his 84th birthday. The U.S.

Read More
« Previous Next »
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2026 HappyNews.